As a child who went to boarding school, the longing and desire for home was intense. It was not easy to adapt to a new way of life where everything you do was controlled and determined by the school authorities. There was a limited sense of freedom and opportunities to explore, harnessing your hidden potentials. The school was like a prison that seem to limit movement around the society. Going around to visit people or for shopping or whatever reason was a form of education. You get to know places and people.
Homesickness is a common phenomenon that refers to the feelings of nostalgia or a sense of connection to an environment or people. Homesickness has several ways it manifest.
It ranges from spatial homesickness, temporal homesickness, relational homesickness, cultural homesickness and existential homesickness.
Spatial homesickness refers to a physical place. In this context, you miss the physical environment of your home it maybe the garden, the appearance of the house, the weather or something physical about it.
Temporal homesickness describes the desire for the past. You may be at home but still feel this type of homesickness and for this reason you long for the past events or the person you were before.
Relational homesickness is the one most people are familiar with. They miss the bonds, memorable moments you had, the quarrels, the laughter of your family members, friends and relations. This happens most when someone traveled away or you traveled somewhere.
Cultural homesickness as the name implies refers to the longing for that cultural atmosphere back at home, this basically refers to the way of life. It could be the taste of traditionally cooked meals or the rhythm of music or the colorful traditional attires, whatever it may be. This is common with people who migrated from one city or country to another.
Existential homesickness refers to a religious desire. A desire to fellowship with your Creator. This desire is not limited to geographical place or time. The desire for fellowship with God can come anytime or anywhere. This desire basically is for prayer or study of the W ord of God.
The 4Rs to Overcome Homesickness
From my research this is a general solution to help you cope with this nostalgic feelings. They are;
Remember your home and family with appreciation and gratitude not with feelings of loss or negative thoughts.
Reach Out to your family, loved ones friends etc. keep a close contact with them through phone calls, text messages, chats and video calls.
Root Yourself; build new relationships, recreate memories, cook local dishes, attend social events and lots more.
Re-frame your mind. Do not see this as a weakness but consider it as an evidence that you have formed deep connections and bonding.
Homesickness is a reminder of what you value, but it can also motivate you to grow, adapt, and build a new sense of belonging wherever you are.
